Former US President Donald Trump has unleashed a wave of criticism and tariff threats against India, reacting sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic engagements at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The tensions highlight a growing rift in US-India relations, fueled by trade disputes and strategic alignments.
Trump's U-Turn on India-China Relations
Initially expressing frustration over India's perceived pivot towards China, Trump made a surprising reversal. He later asserted that he and Modi would always remain friends, despite earlier claims that the US had lost India to Chinese influence. This flip-flop underscores the volatile nature of current geopolitical dynamics.
Modi's Firm Stance at SCO Summit
At the SCO gathering, Prime Minister Modi did not hold back. He strongly criticized what he termed selfish economic policies, directly targeting Trump's tariff strategies. This came after Modi held meetings with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, showcasing India's independent foreign policy approach.
US Reaction to India-Russia Ties
The bonhomie between Modi, Putin, and Xi at the summit has triggered alarm in Washington. Trump's trade adviser publicly expressed rage, labeling the situation a shame for US interests. The core issue remains India's continued purchase of Russian oil, which the US views as undermining its tariff policies and strategic goals.
Escalating Trade Threats
In response to India's refusal to snub Putin or reject Russian oil imports, Trump has declared what amounts to an economic war. He announced an additional 25% tariffs, giving Delhi a 24-hour ultimatum to stop buying Russian oil or face consequences. This aggressive move marks a significant escalation in bilateral trade tensions.
India's Defiant Position
Despite the pressure, India has maintained its stance on Russian oil imports, arguing for its sovereign right to secure energy resources. This defiance has angered the Trump administration, which sees it as a direct challenge to US economic sanctions and foreign policy objectives.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of other regional developments. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that Putin would not meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a statement that surprised Trump. Meanwhile, in domestic Indian politics, Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack, blaming Pakistan for targeting Kashmiriyat.
Regional Developments
Other events include a tragic landslide in Sikkim that hit an Indian Army camp near the swollen Teesta River, resulting in three personnel killed and six missing. Additionally, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor mocked Pakistan's Kashmir aspirations during a speech in Guyana, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
The convergence of these events paints a complex picture of India's foreign policy challenges. Balancing relations with major powers while addressing domestic and regional security concerns remains a delicate task for the Modi government.
